As in the semi-final against Andy Roddick, Federer then opened up after taking a tight first-set tie-break.

Two glorious forehand cross-court winners gave the Swiss the first break-points of the match in the opening game of the second set, and when Philippoussis dumped a volley in the net Federer had the breakthrough.

Federer's hot streak continued, and some more inspired play gave him a second break in similar circumstances to open up a 4-0 lead.

I'll definitely be back, that's for sure

Mark Philippoussis

From there he took the second set 6-2 to open up a two-set lead.

Philippoussis had come from two sets down to beat Alexander Popp in the quarter-finals, and had also come from behind to knock out world number one Andre Agassi in five sets one round earlier.

But despite lifting his level and forcing another tie-break, he was unable to reproduce that magic as Federer maintained his brilliance.

The Swiss missed two virtual match-points as Philippoussis served at 5-5 and 15-40.

But he opened up a 6-1 lead in the tie-break and, despite the Australian saving two match-points, Federer completed what promises to be the first of many Grand Slam victories.